Adapted from a short story by Ghulam Abbas, Mandi tells the story of a group of prostitutes led by Rukminibai, who find themselves battling authorities attempting to shut down their brothel and displace them in the name of urban development. The film is considered among Shyam Benegal's finest works. Benegal brings together a cast of skilled performers; Shabana Azmi stands out as the rough, self-centered, yet sympa…